Living and breathing energy day-by-day, Red Rocket’s Mckyla Smith, Stephenadia Wagenaar, and Jolandi Viljoen have the right formula to drive progress at our sites and in the renewable energy realm as a whole.
Mckyla Smith
Project Site Coordinator
Mckyla Smith is the type of person who takes the mission of contributing to a cleaner environment to heart, and her determination demonstrates this at every turn. Having had her start in renewable energy at a wind turbine manufacturer, her path was clear.
Mckyla, who is based at our Witberg Wind Farm, said: “I was initially tasked with observing turbine operations, which sparked my fascination with the technology and its potential to transform energy production sustainably.”
Getting the opportunity to be involved in various stages of our projects is what fills her with a sense of purpose as the projects take shape. This comes with the satisfaction of knowing that the projects, once completed, stand to drive even greater impact for communities and the environment in the form of clean energy and initiatives meant to boost local economies.
“I find great satisfaction in being involved from the planning stages all the way through to project completion, ensuring that every detail is meticulously managed and documented. Being able to see our projects come to fruition, knowing that they are contributing to a more sustainable future, gives me a deep sense of fulfilment,” she said.
As a woman dedicated to creating solutions in renewable energy, she notes that this is a sector that pushes one to be “the forefront of innovation and sustainability”.
“It means actively working towards reducing our carbon footprint and promoting cleaner energy solutions. It’s a privilege to be part of an industry that plays a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come,” she said.
As we are observing Women’s Month, renewable energy is a space that she has identified as having great potential for the development of women, adding that women “bring unique perspectives, skills, and leadership qualities to the renewable energy sector”.
“As more women enter this field, we are diversifying the workforce and driving innovation.”
Her advice for young women with the intention of pursuing careers in renewable energy is to start young and go after their passion fearlessly.
“Education and skills are fundamental in this field, so focus on strengthening your knowledge. Seek mentors who can guide and support you in your journey. Embrace opportunities to learn and grow, and never underestimate the impact you can make in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable world through renewable energy,” she said.
Stephenadia Wagenaar
Project Site Coordinator
Being in a position where one is able to serve their country is the ultimate reward, says Stephenadia Wagenaar, Project Site Coordinator at Red Rocket.
Part of our Wolf Wind Farm team since March 2023, Stephenadia comes from a military background, and now serves the country through the great benefits of renewable energy.
“This is my first ever introduction to renewable energy as well as construction. I just saw myself as the best fit for the position when I applied, and not necessarily the industry. Having said that, I have no regrets of my decision to be in this industry considering what changes this plant will have for the community and country at large in mitigating the electricity shortage and load shedding.”
For Stephenadia, the thrill of her role is getting to interphase and interact with people of different skill and experience levels in order to get tasks to completion. She revels in being a woman in the sector, committed to the greater good of the country.
“The industry is not much different from the military as it is all about serving the country. Administration is known to be the foundation to any successful industry, and I am learning a lot,” she said.
Praising the contribution of women in the energy sector, Stephenadia believes they bring much-needed dimension and a different approach on how to do things.
“Women are, by nature, good Project Managers/Administrators, and they always put things in order,” she said, adding that women can thrive in renewable energy as it is a vibrant and diverse environment.
“There is ample room for growth and opportunities that are not only suitable for males. Women must consider studying engineering-related courses or those others that are considered being ‘male-dominated’ to position themselves well in the market.”
Jolandi Viljoen
Senior Health & Safety Coordinator
Jolandi Viljoen is driven by a goal to make her mark, and since her time at Red Rocket, she has been able to do so in a new environment. Having spent the last 35 years in the South African Air Force, her wealth of experience has armed her with unique skills and focus that are valuable to our organisation and our projects.
“I experienced and learnt things in uniform very few will ever have the opportunity to do and learn, and I will always be grateful for that opportunity. But it was time for me to apply my health and safety knowledge to a new field and renewable energy in South Africa is a fairly new field,” she said.
The most fulfilling part of Jolandi’s role is being in positions where she can make a difference, which she has been able to perform throughout her career in the Air Force. At Red Rocket, she plays an active role in the necessary procedures ensuring that all our facilities follow health and safety guidelines as governed by law and company policy.
“I was in a position where at first I participated in search and rescues, of which the Oceanos sea rescue off Coffee Bay was my first. Later in my career, I moved into health and safety and the training of Health and Safety Officers and representatives, making a difference in keeping people safe and healthy.
“I will probably never meet anyone who was helped by my efforts in my early years, but I know I did make a positive difference in someone’s life,” she said.
Asked what she thought was the contribution of women in the sector, she said nothing should limit anyone as long as there is a will to do what they set out to do. “We all have a role to play, and I would like to see a world where you get opportunities no matter who you are; the only thing that should matter is whether you can do the job.”
Jolandi believes that continuous learning and not letting setbacks derail people from their path is the key to success. Because the world has more options today, her message to young women and anyone looking to be in renewable energy is to grab every opportunity that they are presented with.
“You can make a difference, and never ever stop learning. I started out in a world where my choices were limited to ‘marry, stay at home with the kids’, or ‘become a nurse, teacher or a secretary’. I refused to bend to convention and did my own thing. I studied throughout my career and it made a huge difference in my life, eventually landing me in renewable energy,” she said.
